FIX: Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart

Blue screen errors occur after a fatal system error or a system crash, and they indicate that the Windows operating system has reached a point where it can no longer function properly or safely.

This blue screen prohibits you from using your computer further to avoid damage, and it informs users that it must take specific measures to prevent any damage to your computer.

Any Windows users have experienced a situation where their operating system suddenly crashes, resulting in the dreaded blue screen of death. A crash may have various underlying causes, and the device can record multiple error messages and details. Your PC encountered a problem and needs to restart is the most common blue screen.

Usually, these blue screen errors come with additional error codes. Still, you may just get a notification that says, “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart” or “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart”.

On the other hand, these errors usually occur when there are memory problems, corrupted system files, or drivers. Other causes of “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart” include power outages or malware/virus infections.

Causes Of “PC Ran Into A Problem” Error 

The potential causes of the problem are indicated by each stop/error code. However, “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart” will result in various error messages. As a result, there are numerous explanations for why you can experience the mistake. However, I’ve narrowed them down to the following considerations:

  • Registrar changes
  • Device files that have been corrupted
  • Virus/malware infection in a problematic driver
  • The complicated drive relation is sloppy.
  • The machine was improperly shut down.
  • Other blue screen errors, such as DPC Watchdog breach, Automatic Repair loop, and others, can be caused by these causes.

What Causes BSOD error?

To be frank, pinpointing the exact cause of the blue screen of death is difficult. Typically, a hardware or hardware driver issue causes the PC to have a problem with Windows 10. As Windows experiences a “stop bug,” it continues to crash, resulting in a blue screen.

However, the following factors can cause your PC to get stuck in a problem loop:

  • A machine file has been corrupted.
  • The System32 folder contains a registry file that is removed.
  • There is an issue with overheating.
  • The operating system can’t handle the amount of RAM that’s being used.
  • A virus has been published.
  • Shutdown by force.

It’s amusing that Windows instructs you to restart, but you keep getting the same blue screen. The BSOD error, on the other hand, can result in data loss. As a result, it’s essential to restore missing data and figure out how to repair the blue screen of death.

How to fix the bug “Your PC ran into a problem and needed to restart.” blue screen Error.

  1. Update the Drivers

Windows Update downloads and installs driver updates for Windows 10 and cannot support many other computers such as network adapters, displays, printers, and video cards. You must already have the newest version of drivers, but if you want to upgrade or reinstall a driver manually, follow these steps:

  • Update the device driver
    • Enter device manager in the taskbar’s search box and then pick Device Manager.
Your PC Ran Into A Problem And Needs To Restart - Device Manager
  • Choose a group to see system names, then right-click (or press and hold) the one you want to change.
  • Select Automatically search for new driver apps.
  • Choose Update Driver
Update driver
  • If Windows is unable to locate a new driver, go to the system manufacturer’s website and follow their instructions.
  • Reinstall the device driver
    • Enter device manager in the taskbar’s search box, then pick Device Manager
Open device manager
  • Select Uninstall by right-clicking (or pressing and holding) the device’s name.
Driver Details
  • Restart your computer.
  • Windows will reinstall the driver.
  1. Uninstall Recently Installed Applications

Some newly installed program is likely causing device conflicts. This cannot be why the bug “Your PC ran into a problem and needs restart” began to appear. If you installed some program recently, just before you started having problems with this blue screen error, we suggest that you try uninstalling it.

Press Windows key + R or right-click the Start menu and choose “Run” from the contextual menu. This will bring up the Run dialogue box.

You will open the “Programs and Features” window by typing “appwiz.cpl” and pressing Enter on your keyboard.

typing "appwiz.cpl"

Locate the software in the opened Programs and Features window and uninstall it by right-clicking on it and selecting “Uninstall” from the dropdown menu. If you ever get the “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart” blue screen error, restart your machine.

"Uninstall" from the dropdown menu
  1. Modify the Memory Dump Setting

To address the error message “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart,” try changing the memory dump settings. To do so, follow the steps below:

  • Select View advanced system settings from the drop-down menu.
  • Go to the Advanced tab and press Settings under Start-up and Recovery.
  • Uncheck Automatically reset on the following prompt.
  • Select Complete memory dump from the drop-down list under Write debugging detail.
  • Save the adjustments, restart Windows, and check to see if the error has been resolved.
  1. Disconnect External Devices

Disconnecting connected external devices is the first step to fix the “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart” error. One of the related external devices/peripherals could be interfering with your operating system (in many cases, a connected printer is causing this bug to appear). 

Restart your computer after disconnecting all peripherals and external devices, leaving just the mouse and keyboard attached. Check to see if the “Your PC encountered a problem and needs to restart” error is still present. 

In case the issue is resolved, one of the peripherals or external devices is likely damaged or defective, causing the problem. You’ll either need to replace a specific peripheral or external device or simply stop using it and leave it unplugged in this scenario.

  1. Run System File Checker

Run the System File Checker is a Windows utility that allows users to search for and restore corruptions in Windows system files. It will teach you on how to use the System File Checker tool (SFC.exe) to search your system files and patch those missing or corrupted. 

One of the few basic switches available in the SFC command is “SFC scannow.” You must first open an elevated Command Prompt to run System File Checker, which you can do if you started Windows usually or in Safe Mode. Search for “command prompt” and right-click the “Command Prompt” result. From the contextual menu, choose “Run as administrator.”

To run the command, type “SFC /scannow” and press Enter. The System File Checker will begin, and the scan should take some time to complete. In case the “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart” bug appears again, restart your machine.

  1. Update Windows

Some users indicated that upgrading their Windows operating system solved the issue. It is well known that searching for and installing the most recent Windows updates will help with various issues. If Windows hasn’t been updated in a while, we suggest manually checking for updates to see if there are any that need to be added. To check for Windows Updates, go to Search and type “check for updates,” then click the “Check for updates” result.

You should be led to the Windows Update section automatically. Select “Check for Alerts” from the drop-down menu. Windows will begin to look for updates. Install any updates that are available. Restart your machine after the updates (if any) have been activated to see if the issue has been resolved.

  1. Run Startup Repair

Automatic/Startup Repair is a diagnostics-based troubleshooting mechanism for Windows that is typically used to repair the operating system when it is unable to start. It will normally repair problems caused by corrupted or incomplete machine files, and it may even be able to fix the “Your PC encountered a problem and needs to restart” error. If you can’t start Windows, you’ll need to use the Windows Installation Media on your DVD/USB or interrupt the boot process to start Startup Repair. The instructions for doing so can be found in the method previously mentioned.

If you can log into Windows or if you’ve already started your computer in Safe Mode with Networking, type “recovery” into the Search box and select “Recovery options.”

Troubleshoot

Now, under the “troubleshoot Advanced options” startup settings, press the “Restart now” button, and Windows will restart.

A blue Advanced startup screen will appear. If you can start Windows normally or not, follow the instructions below (you will get to this screen by performing the steps required to boot into Safe Mode). Click “Troubleshoot” once you’re in the Advanced Startup Window.

Then choose “troubleshoot Advanced options” from the drop-down menu.

Advanced options - command prompt

Now select “Startup Repair” from the menu, and Windows will begin diagnosing your machine.

Check to see if this resolves the “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart” mistake.

  1. Perform System Restore

System Restore restores everything to a previously saved restore stage, but you must first have one saved. Under you do not have a restore point on your screen, System Restore won’t help you. This function can restore your device to its previous working state without affecting your files and data if you establish a restore point.

You may be able to fix the problem by performing a System Restore if you have any system restore points generated before the “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart” message appears. To restore your device, press Windows key + R and type the command “rstrui.exe” into the Run box. To start System Restore, press Enter.

Select “Next” in the System Restore window.

You’ll see a list of multiple restore points if any have been established. If you check the “Show more restore points” box, it will show you more restore points. Choose the best restore point for you (based on the time it was made, for example) and click “Next.” Make sure to select a restore point before the occurrence of the blue screen error.

Make sure your restore point is correct. Your machine will be restored to its previous state, as described in the “Description” sector. If you’re satisfied with your decision, press “Finish,” and the device will be restored.

  1. Reset or Reinstall Windows

If the error ‘ your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart’ cannot be fixed using the above troubleshooting methods, you should try to repair your computer by reinstalling Windows 10. To do so, boot into the device using the same USB installation media that you used to perform Startup Repair, System Restore, and PC Reset.

Remember that when you reinstall Windows on a disc, it will erase all of its data. This procedure necessitates drive formatting and the development of new partitions in the operating system. As a result, we suggest that you first perform a system restore of your essential data with a reputable data recovery tool before proceeding with the re-installation.

  1. Boot Into Safe Mode

When you’re unable to log into Windows normally due to this error, you will have to boot into Safe Mode with Networking. If you can start Windows usually, you can skip this stage. Read this article and use the “Interrupt Windows Boot Process” methodology mentioned in the previous link to start the operating system (Windows 10)in Safe Mode with Networking.

Alternatively, you can use the Automatic Repair (Advanced Startup) screen to boot your Windows into Safe Mode with Networking using the Windows Installation CD/DVD/USB. Start using the methods outlined below once you’ve logged into Windows.

  1. Select the Startup Repair Option

If you are unable to boot into Safe mode due to the error “your computer has encountered a problem and needs to restart Windows 10,” you can perform a startup repair by following the steps below:

Use a USB installation media (Windows’ media development tool) to start your computer.

  • Press Repair your machine when you see the Windows Setup panel.
  • Click Advanced options when in the Automatic Repair area.
  • Troubleshoot > Advanced options are the next step.
  • Click Startup Repair from the Advanced options screen and continue.
  • Choose your account and type in your password.
  • To complete the Startup Repair process, click Continue and follow the on-screen instructions. Check to see if the issue has been resolved.

Conclusion 

A BSOD error can occur due to faulty system files, computer drivers, application/software, and virus attacks. One such error “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart.” Such blue screen errors cause the machine to suddenly shut down or restart, get stuck in a booting loop, or even crash.

You may try the troubleshooting methods mentioned above to correct this mistake. However, some approaches, such as using System Restore or reinstalling Windows, can result in data loss.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What Does the error “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart mean”?

If your machine keeps telling you that it needs to restart, there may be a problem with your hardware or drivers. The file system could be compromised, your computer could be overheating, your computer could be infected with a virus, or the registry files in the System 32 folder could be accidentally deleted.

How do I get Windows 10 to restart after it encounters a problem?

Device file errors can also trigger the BSOD “Your PC has encountered a problem and needs to restart.” The Windows System File Checker tool, fortunately, can detect and repair missing or damaged system files. To begin restoring the device files, type SFC /scannow in Command Prompt.

Does  “Your PC ran into a problem” a malicious/virus?

The malware “Your PC Ran Into A Issue” locks the computer and shows a bogus error message. It comes bundled with “VinCE 1.5,” a potentially unwanted adware-like software (PUP). The error message indicates that the machine has encountered a problem and that victims should contact technical support for assistance.

What does it mean if your computer tells you that “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart?

On the other hand, these errors normally occur when there are memory problems, corrupted system files, or drivers. Other causes of “Your PC has encountered a problem and needs to restart” include power outages or malware/virus infections. To resolve the “Your PC has encountered a problem and needs to restart” issue, follow the steps below.

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